Safe Cold Medicine While Pregnant
Looking for safe cold medicine you can take while pregnant?
Pregnancy is an amazing and wonderful time, but it takes a toll on you physically.
It’s no surprise because your body is working around the clock to grow a new life.
During this time, your immune system changes to protect both you and your baby.
If this didn’t happen, your body would attack your growing baby seeing them as an invader.
The downside to a weakened immune system is you become more susceptible to infections.
So, when you’re dealing with a cough or cold, which medications are pregnancy safe, and which should you avoid?
If you’re reading this, you’re probably sick already so let’s get started!
Cold Medicine You Can Take While Pregnant
I’m currently 15 weeks pregnant with my second child and recently caught a cold.
For the first week or so, I tried to avoid any medication and my symptoms just kept getting worse.
After another sleepless night with a stuffy nose and constant coughing, I broke down and decided to break out the safe list of medications my ObGyn provided.
Before taking any medications, it’s always best to check with your doctor first.
The following drugs have been studied or used often in pregnant women and are generally considered to be safe when you’re expecting –
- Acetaminophen (aka Tylenol) is used to relieve pain and reduce fevers. Follow the dosage instructions and never exceed the recommended daily maximum dosage.
- Antihistamines help relieve nasal congestion. These are considered to be safe while pregnant: Chlorpheniramine (aka Chlor-trimeton), Loratadine (aka Claritin, Alavert) and Cetirizine (aka Zyrtec).
- Dextromethorphan (aka Robitussin Cough, Delsym) is a cough suppressant often found in over-the counter cold medicines.
- Decongestant corticosteroid nasal sprays are typically considered safe for use over a short period of time. Pseudoephedrine (aka Sudafed) is only recommended for use in the second and third trimester. Saline nasal sprays, nasal strips and Neti pots are the safest options as they don’t contain any active medications. Any decongestant ending in PE containing phenylephrine should NOT be taken during pregnancy.
Safe Medications Chart for Each Trimester
At my first ObGyn appointment, they gave me a handout with FAQs (frequently asked questions) and a chart with pregnancy safe medications for each trimester.
I wasn’t sick at the time, so I didn’t think too much of it and ultimately lost my copy!
Luckily when I did catch my cold, I had a doctor’s appointment coming up and quickly requested another copy.
Sharing it here so it’s easy to reference if you ever need it!
| Medication | 1st Trimester 1-14 weeks | 2nd Trimester 15-28 weeks | 3rd Trimester 29-40 weeks |
| Afrin nasal spray (oxymetazoline) | NO | NO | NO |
| Aleve (naproxen sodium) | NO | NO | NO |
| Allegra (fexofenadine) | YES | YES | YES |
| Aspirin (81mg) | YES | YES | YES |
| Benadryl (diphenhydramine) | YES | YES | YES |
| Clarinex, Alavert (loratadine) | YES | YES | YES |
| Chlor-trimeton (chlorpheniramine) | YES | YES | YES |
| Cough Drops | YES | YES | YES |
| Motrin, Advil (ibuprofen) | NO | NO | NO |
| Mucinex (guaifenesin) | YES | YES | YES |
| Mucinex D (guaifenesin + pseudoephedrine) | NO | YES | YES |
| “Robitussin CF Cough & Cold (dextromethorphan guaifenesin + phenylephrine)” | NO | NO | NO |
| Robitussin Cough, Delsym (dextromethorphan) | YES | YES | YES |
| Robitussin DM (dextromethorphan + guaifenesin) | YES | YES | YES |
| Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) | NO | YES | YES |
| Tylenol (acetaminophen) | YES | YES | YES |
| Zicam | YES | YES | YES |
| Zyrtec (certirizine) | YES | YES | YES |
Final Thoughts on Safe Cold Medicine While Pregnant
Being under the weather is never fun or convenient and if you’re expecting, it can be that much worse.
Many cold medicines contain two or more drugs to treat several symptoms.
During pregnancy, it’s a good idea to buy the specific drugs individually rather than a multiple symptom medication.
Do what you feel most comfortable with and always consult your doctor before taking any medication.
This ensures you’re choosing the safest options and that it won’t interfere with any other supplements or medications you might be taking.
Wishing you a safe and healthy pregnancy. You got this mama!
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